When last seen on a football field, Seahawks tight end John Carlson was knocked unconscious by a nasty headfirst fall during a divisional playoff loss at Chicago.

"It's not the way I wanted my season to end, obviously," said Carlson, a former Litchfield High School standout. "But the good news is I recovered quickly. After a day or two, I didn't have any headache or any real symptoms of my concussion. The doctors cleared me to start working out about a week later. I feel really fortunate about that."

Carlson is living in Seattle. One of his regular training partners is free agent Matt Hasselbeck, the longtime Seahawks quarterback whose future in Seattle is uncertain.

"The lockout has been unfortunate for us because of Matt's situation and the fact we also have a new offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, who came over from the Vikes," Carlson said. "I really hope Matt comes back because he knows the Darrell Bevell West Coast system from all those years under Mike Holmgren.

"But the thing is I have absolutely no idea if Matt will be back or not. Like everything else, it's just wait and see."

LeVoir in business

Patriots offensive tackle Mark LeVoir has used some of his extra time during the lockout to focus on Art of Strength, a franchise training facility he bought and opened six months ago in his hometown of Eden Prairie.

"I had total shoulder reconstruction after the 2008 season, and Anthony DiLuglio, the founder of Art of Strength, is the reason I got full range of motion back in my shoulder," LeVoir said. "It's how he trains you. He teaches you authentic strength and how that applies to how your body works correctly biomechanically."

About five years ago, the Tennessee Titans became the first NFL team to incorporate DiLuglio's unconventional approach. Today, the 49ers, Raiders, Lions and Packers are among the teams that have become believers in the system.

"And the Patriots are in the process of switching over, too," LeVoir said. "So I'll have a head start there."

The Art of Strength utilizes ropes, kettlebells and suspension training instead of the more traditional free weights and weight machines. The intent is to build durability through more functional full-body strength rather than isolating particular muscle groups.